Episode 137: The Day is Coming
A Few Days Later, in the Office of the Purification Bureau
The desk, which should have been buried under a mountain of documents and papers to process, was unusually clean. The same was true for the desks of the two aides.
“Please give me the report.”
Yohan tapped his finger on the desk. The rhythmic sound echoed through the quiet office.
“The demonic lairs in the western part of the empire have been sealed.” Elena began her report in a calm voice.
“All the rifts have been restored. It’s not entirely safe yet, but most of the remaining demonic beasts have been successfully exterminated.”
A few days ago, the second expedition of the Purification Bureau had concluded successfully. With the closure of all demonic lairs in the west, their mission was complete. Unexpected incidents had occurred, but since they had managed to overcome them, they were not a major issue. Other than Yohan and Rudbeckia, there were no significant casualties.
“Thus, the western region of the empire is now free from the threat of demonic beasts. The Margrave of Cantabile has expressed his desire to provide regular funding to the Purification Bureau.”
Unlike ordinary knightly orders, special military organizations such as the Purification Bureau and the Imperial Bureau could receive sponsorships from nobles. It was essentially a means of building goodwill.
Of course, such funding was used to pay the salaries of the officers or for the maintenance of facilities. Corrupt officials might pocket it for themselves, but that wasn’t the case here.
“That’s good news. What about the dark mages?”
Yohan asked while circling something on a piece of paper.
“The First Division of Imperial Bureau led an operation to either subdue or apprehend them. It turns out the western region’s special-grade demonic lair was their main base."
“The new commander seems to have handled things thoroughly.”
“Yes. During the operation, demon beast extermination was also carried out, and it was completed without any casualties.”
Tap. Tap.
Yohan tapped his fingers on the desk again.
“This is as good as it gets.”
The western region had been the biggest problem. Yet, without the need for reinforcements from the Holy Kingdom, they had managed to close a special-grade demonic lair and eliminate the dark mages.
It could be considered a resounding success.
“That concludes the report?”
“Yes.”
Yohan nodded in satisfaction, a faint smile forming on his lips.
Since he had only been focusing on stabilizing the rifts and resting, he hadn’t been aware of the full situation. Having Elena summarize everything so neatly made things much easier.
“I see. Good work.”
“Thank you.”
“What’s on the schedule next?”
“A week-long vacation begins in two days.”
“A whole week?”
Surprised by the length of the break, Yohan questioned it. Seeing his puzzled expression, Elena elaborated.
“You mentioned that you had an important matter to attend to. That’s why the leave was scheduled for that duration.”
“Oh.”
Thinking carefully, Yohan suddenly remembered.
In two days, the Duke Fervache was coming to the capital.
‘Damn it.’
Yohan closed his eyes tightly, unable to conceal his despair. He had put it out of his mind, deciding to think about it later. But now, the day had finally arrived.
“…Shall I adjust your vacation schedule?”
Noticing the shadow of utter despair cast over Yohan’s face, Elena asked cautiously.
“No… it’s fine…”
Yohan could only shed silent tears.
Was this how livestock felt when they were led to the slaughterhouse?
It was an indescribable sense of dread.
***
A grand space illuminated by a golden chandelier. Marble pillars and ornate frescoes adorned the hall, while a long table was lavishly set with a feast that seemed endless.
Nobles, adorned with jewelry made from rare gemstones, engaged in cheerful conversation. Amidst the melodies of the orchestra, the sound of wine glasses clinking and laughter filled the air.
A massive banquet was being held in the imperial palace.
It was a celebration of the near-eradication of the empire’s demonic lairs.
Yohan sat quietly in a corner of the banquet hall, sipping from his glass.
‘Champagne has a low alcohol content, so it’s easy to drink.’
Originally, he had wanted to drink imperial wine, but due to Francia’s insistence, he had to settle for champagne. Fortunately, the champagne’s fresh and crisp taste suited his preference.
“I think they said this was a specialty of the western region.”
A liquor made from fruits that only grew in the western empire.
If he had to compare, it felt similar to fruit-flavored soju from Korea.
Though by now, his memories of Korea were starting to fade.
Clink.
Yohan took another sip of the golden champagne and turned his gaze toward the center of the banquet hall.
“-!”
“---.”
“--.”
The imperial family and the empire’s most influential nobles had gathered in one place, engaged in conversation.
Of course, the Third Princess, Raeliana, was also present. She simply smiled at Yohan without approaching him or initiating a conversation, maintaining a certain distance.
‘Looks like she’s gotten over the heartbreak.’
That was a relief. If Raeliana had locked herself in her room and refused to come out, it would have been troublesome for him.
As Yohan sipped his drink and surveyed the banquet hall,
“Duke Lahart?”
A woman called out to him. Yohan turned his head toward the voice.
Javella Highlander stood there, wearing a beautiful dress and smiling gracefully.
“Ah, Lady Highlander. It’s been a while.”
Yohan greeted her with a warm smile. There was no need to be wary of her—they had worked together on a mission before.
“What are you doing here alone? A man like you should be the star of this banquet.”
Javella approached lightly and took a seat beside him, her movements effortlessly graceful.
“I have no interest in being the center of attention.”
“Well, I suppose meeting with nobles is the most tiresome part of these events.”
She tapped her palm lightly with her fan, looking exasperated.
“I understand that socializing is important for our families, but every time I attend one of these, people keep trying to introduce me to their sons. I imagine you get similar proposals, Duke. Isn’t it terribly annoying?”
Nobles were, after all, pragmatic beings who prioritized rational decisions and their family’s interests. Unless they were close friends, such conversations were inevitable.
“It seems you have your own burdens to bear, Lady Highlander.”
“Of course. And I’m sure you do as well, Duke Lahart.”
Javella smiled and raised her glass. The red wine swayed gently. It was a silent invitation to toast.
Yohan extended his champagne glass, clinking it softly against hers. She smiled once more.
“Thank you for keeping me company.”
“Not at all. You probably needed a break.”
The real reason she had approached him was that being near Yohan deterred other nobles from coming up to her. He was well aware of this and willingly played along.
Javella swirled her glass with a serene smile.
“Hm, as expected, Duke Lahart is kind.”
“Isn’t it just basic courtesy?”
Yohan gave an awkward smile and looked away. If she had harbored ulterior motives like others, he would have cut the conversation off immediately.
Well, that was precisely why she is Javella Highlander.
“My younger sister is currently working in the Purification Bureau under you. How is she doing? Is she performing well?”
The atmospheree remained smooth and natural. Javella took this moment to bring up the main topic.
“Haha, ‘working under me’ is hardly the right way to put it. If anything, I should be grateful. Eris—no, special class knight Highlander is a tremendous asset.”
“Hm…”
Javella narrowed her eyes as she observed Yohan’s reaction. The fact that he called her sister by name suggested they weren’t distant. Well, considering how long they had known each other, it would be odd if they weren’t at least that familiar.
“You seem to be quite close with my sister, Eris.”
“Rather than ‘close,’ I’d say I trust and rely on her.”
“I see…?”
Javella closed her eyes briefly and shook her head. From his response, he clearly held Eris in high regard, but there was no sign of romantic feelings.
‘What are you doing, Eris…?’
She had come to check on the progress of her sister’s romantic prospects, only to find that nothing had even begun. At this rate, it might be too late. Did Eris even have the intention to start?
Still, since there was goodwill, things could always develop in the future.
“By the way, I heard a special guest is coming today.”
Having gathered the information she wanted, Javella smoothly changed the topic. If she interfered too much, it could backfire.
“A special guest?”
“The Tower Master.”
“…”
Yohan’s eyes narrowed.
The Tower Master, Rein Adriche.
The greatest and most powerful mage on the continent.
A monster capable of facing an entire nation alone.
And the only male lead still alive among those who had once set their sights on Francia.
Yohan’s vigilance heightened immediately.
“I heard that he usually doesn’t attend such gatherings… but for some reason, he decided to come this time. That’s why so many nobles are here just to see the Tower Master.” Javella explained with a reluctant expression.
“You must have met him before.”
“I had to visit the Magic Tower once for my duties as an inspector.”
Javella took a sip of her wine and continued with a look of distaste.
“He was just so rude—no, completely lacking in manners. I never want to see him again. He’s self-centered and does whatever he pleases. Ugh…!”
She shuddered as if recalling the encounter infuriated her.
“I see…”
For Yohan, however, this was valuable information. The Tower Master wasn’t someone one could just run into by chance. Understanding Rein Adriche’s personality and tendencies would be highly beneficial.
At that moment—
“The great transcendent magician who governs the Magic Tower, Rein Adriche, has arrived!”
The atmosphere in the banquet hall suddenly grew heavy.
Tap. Tap.
The sound of leather boots echoed against the marble floor.
Under the dazzling lights, a man draped in a black robe slowly appeared.
“…And there’s the protagonist of the story.” Javella muttered in a low voice.
“So it seems.”
Yohan casually tilted his glass, though his blue eyes briefly flickered with wariness. The Tower Master ignored the approaching nobles, instead scanning the hall as if searching for someone.
‘Is he looking for Francia?’
If that was the case, Yohan needed to act first to prevent any contact. He preferred not to get involved, but if the Tower Master sensed Francia’s magical nature, things could become troublesome.
Just as Yohan was about to stand—
“…The Tower Master is heading this way?”
Rein Adriche was striding directly toward them.
“Well then, I’ll be taking my leave! Thanks for today!”
Javella hurriedly rose from her seat, her swift steps making it clear she had no intention of encountering him.
Moments after she left, the Tower Master greeted Yohan.
“Pleasure to meet you, Duke Lahart.”
Yohan merely gazed at the outstretched hand before slowly accepting the handshake.
“This is our first meeting. May I ask why you sought me out?”
“Haha, I simply wished to speak with the man at the center of the rumors.”
Rein Adriche smiled, but his expression was full of insincerity.
“I have heard much about you. They say you can seal the rifts of the Demonic lairs.”
“I was fortunate enough to acquire such an ability.”
Yohan narrowed his eyes. The Tower Master was being oddly amicable. Could it be that he had come to this gathering solely to see him? Yohan’s suspicions deepened.
“Haha, and modest as well. What do you think, Duke Lahart? Would you care to visit the Magic Tower sometime?”
“I appreciate the invitation, but I must decline. My schedule is quite packed.”
Yohan rejected the offer without hesitation. He wanted no entanglements with this man.
If he had to pick the most troublesome of the four male figures in this story, Rein Adriche would undoubtedly be the one.
“Well, I hope you’ll consider visiting whenever you find the time.”
“…Sure.”
With a faint smile, the Tower Master turned and walked away. Had he really approached just for such a trivial conversation? It didn’t seem like he was here for Francia, considering he had sought Yohan out first.
‘I don’t get it.’
As Yohan watched the departing figure—
‘As I thought, it’s him.’
Rein Adriche felt his entire body break into goosebumps. A chilling sensation gripped his heart.
It was that man.
The man who had brought about his death.
The stench of blood filled his memories. It had felt all too real, and now he knew it wasn’t just a nightmare.
That meant there was only one course of action.
‘I have to kill him. And while I’m at it, I’ll take the Obsidian Saintess as well.’
A slow smile spread across Rein Adriche’s lips, but behind it lurked an ominous darkness.